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We continue to talk as I help her into the waiting SUV. I’ve hired a driver tonight, and I’m excited to spoil her.Inside the cab, soft music plays, and we sit pressed side to side, still holding hands.
“I don’t hate people. I just don’t enjoy being around them.”
“You’ve made an exception for me ,then?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m honored.”
“You should be.”
I can’t help but smile at her sass.
The place isn’t far, and we pull to a stop as I press my mouth to hers. Those warm pillows hum against mine, and she melts for a moment. Too quickly, she pulls away, stifling a giggle and hopping out onto the busy sidewalk. I hurry to chase after her until we meet at the door.
“A bar? Eww, David.”
“I knew you would say something along those lines. Not exactly a quote fromSchitt’s Creek, but trust me,” I say with a wink, watching with great pride as her mouth curves into a hard-won grin.
“Ok. Lead the way.”
The double doors open for us, and we walk the velvet carpet, past a hostess who nods. I’ve called ahead and made special plans, knowing she isn’t a fan of crowds. Plus, I want her to myself.
“A book bar?”
“What do you think?”
“It’s not at all what I expected.”
She looks around in awe. Books hang from the ceiling alongside industrial lights. Bookshelves line the walls, and tall tables are scattered around couches and lounge chairs. Jazz music plays, and a few people are dancing on a small dance floor in the middle of the room.
“I must say, if I had to go to a bar, this would be where I would pick,” she says, and that dangerous hope threatens to bubble over.
For a guy who doesn’t date much, I’m fuckin killin’ it. I mentally high-five myself and grab her a glass of wine off a waiter’s tray.
“Thank you.”
“This isn’t exactly where we’re dining,” I admit, clinking her glass as she wonders what I might have in store for her. Oh baby, if you only knew…
“There’s more?”
I don’t answer, but nod over my shoulder. She sees the large bookcase and looks at me questioningly. I slowly step back toward it and glance around to see if anyone is looking. I’m being dramatic, but she must like it because she matches my energy. Looking from side to side, on her tippy toes, she follows me. Not suspicious at all…
I shake my head at her. “What’s your favorite thing to read?”
“Poetry,” she replies, and I point to the black-spined book to her right. When she reaches up for it, the book makes a clicking noise, and suddenly, the shelf moves, revealing a hidden door.
I clink my wine glass to hers with a sly grin.
She visibly melts and grabs hold of my elbow, and I help navigate her down the stairs.
“You remembered.”
“Of course, I remembered.”
Motion lights turn on as we descend, and we hear the secret door close behind us. The jazz music fades. When we reach the bottom and the room opens up, I hear her heavy intake of breath. The entire lower half of this restaurant and lounge is my friend’s personal toy box. Every arcade game imaginable is scattered in lines, forming a maze of wonders.
“There’s a bowling alley in here somewhere.” I laugh, loving the look of awe on her face.
